Farmer digs up ancient sanctuary in Italy

A farmer working his land south of Rome dug up hundreds of artifacts from
a 2,600-year-old sanctuary, but ran afoul of police when he tried to sell
the ancient hoard, officials said Wednesday.

After spotting fragments of pottery in soil dug up by the farmer,
authorities searched his home last month and seized more than 500
artifacts, including perfume vials, cups and miniature vases used as
votive objects.

The art squad of the Carabinieri paramilitary police said the farmer was
placed under investigation for allegedly trafficking in antiquities.
Ancient artifacts found in Italy are considered state property, and finds
must be reported to authorities.